LV MUSIC: Jewish reggae-rapper appears set for Mayfair show

March 18, 2010|By John J. Moser | Of The Morning Call

It appears Hasidic Jewish reggae rapper Matisyahu, whose song "One Day" was an anthem for NBC-TV's broadcast of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, will be the headliner for a night of the Jamaican genre at Allentown's Mayfair festival on May 27.

Mayfair's Web site, www.mayfairfestival.org, doesn't yet list the show (or any acts for the five-day Memorial Day weekend festival's Thursday ), nor does Matisyahu's site at www.matisyahuworld.com.

But a message on Mayfair's Twitter account during a recent online chat by Matisyahu referred to the show, and Mayfair officials confirmed discussions with the artist. With the festival announcing its entertainment lineups this week, an announcement likely is imminent.

Mayfair concerts are free with admission to the festival, which costs $5 for one day or $10 for unlimited entery to the five days. The festival's typical headline day is Friday, when national pop and rock acts usually are offered, but that day's lineup has not been announced.

Matisyahu, 30, sings about traditional Jewish themes set to reggae, rock and hip-hop music ÃÂ often interspersing references to the Torah and punctuating his performances with high kicks and nimble footwork.

He's scheduled to perform Tuesday on ABC-TV's " Jimmy Kimmel Live."

Born Matthew Miller in West Chester, Chester County, and now based in Brooklyn, N.Y., he became a quick sensation in 2005 after the video for his song "King Without A Crown" debuted on mtvU's show "Freshman." The song eventually became a Top 40 hit and a Top 10 hit on the modern rock chart.

Since 2004 he has released three studio albums, and his live disc "Live at Stubbs," reached No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart and was certified gold. Its follow-up, 2006's "Youth," reached No. 4 on The Billboard 200 and also hit gold. His latest disc, "Light," released in August, peaked at No. 19.

As part of his faith, Matisyahu does not perform on the Sabbath, from Friday night until sundown Saturday.